How to stop somebody elses' plateau & huge vent, beware!

Okay, so since DH and I are both post-op, we both have issues with plateaus. He's had a harder time losing overall, even though he started out bigger, I've always attributed it to the fact that he didn't limit carbohydrates, drank sports drinks, and didn't journal his food. So, the other day he asked *me* why he wasn't losing weight. I just was like, "Don't ask me, I'm not losing!" I told him to stop eating any and all carbohydrates. Quit the sports drinks, flour, sugar, etc. I told him that any more than the equivalent of one piece of bread a day would stop weight loss (which is the way I've read and understood it...) And guess what happened? It worked. He's eating protein forward, skipping carbs... and losing again, much faster. Now, I've got to do something different! I've got to starting drinking like a fish.... and real exercise! I hate to make excuses, but there really isn't any time to exercise... unless I want four kids hanging off of me! (I babysit one extra) I have NO excuse for not drinking enough. Not one. I have no excuse for not eating right, I do! I eat more than enough, I vary my calorie intake, I eat protein first, I don't mess with carbs.... something else has to be wrong.... I'd have to be eating over 2000-2800 cals a day to maintain my current weight. :anger: Am I? I eat between 600-1100?! I eat less than my 2.9 y.o. DD! Sorry for the b*tching, just getting frustrated with this cycle of loss, gain, loss, plateau.............. I know I'm not DONE, I look a mess and there's plenty of fat left to metabolize. That's ALL that's left!! I know I should be grateful for what I've lost, and I am, it's just THIS particular size is frustrating... maybe not when I'm dressed and done up... but I can't stand the sight of my nudie body, .. I mean, normal people don't fold over in half... when they roll over on the bed! If I lay flat, it looks like I'm liquid, and I've been poured into a body mold, and somebody forgot to say WHEN!! My flesh spills over my bones... it's gross! My hipbones stick out- but my belly is so big. My chest is absolutely gone. If I take my bra off, it's all done. If I lay down, I'm completely flatchested. Sorry, TMI. DH told me this morning that I need an @$$, that I have none to hold my pants up--- and WHY am I wearing "low-rise" pants since I have no @$$? Okay, but if I take the pants off, my skin just falls, (like that Missy Elliot song... if anybody knows it...my tail goes boom.....) Okay, I'd better SHUT my face before I get flamed. Thanks ladies for all your support................................ Beth 313/298/165/126

No flaming here. I know exactly how you feel. Here is my suggestion: put the scale and tape measure away. Relax, eat whatever you want for a week, try not to think about your weight. Did I mention stay off the scale? Stress only adds to the problem. Then go back to your normal routine and after a week of that get back on the scale. I was stuck at 165 for almost three weeks. I just lost 7 pounds. It goes in spurts. It seems the longer I stay on a plateau, the more I lose when I start going again. Remember we are not even eight months out. We've got time. One other thing eating too little and exercing too much can make the problem worse. As far as the sagging. I have got it too. There is only one spot that really bothers me and I am seeing a plastic surgeon next week. I am hoping for a hernia repair and tuck at the same time. We'll see. I hope things get moving again for you really soon.

Thank you! Good luck with your PS! I'm hoping to get a consult soon... I have this idea.... My kiddos are going to Disney again during April.... If I'd be allowed to, and insurance covered it... I could potentially have a TT done and recoup alone again like I did for my RNY last April.... Beth

Beth- The liquid intake is sooo important, as I found out today... As for the skin...go hang gliding with the batwings, swimming with the water wings stuffed under your arms (formally known as boobs), let the little one poke at your tummy and laugh (my 2 year old thinks it is hilarious the way my belly has a mind of its own..., and when your thighs slap, think it of your body's way of applauding its own success.... You are doing wonderfully!!! Janice

Beth, I'm sorry you're frustrated right now. I have hit my first plateau, I gained a pound on the 1st and haven't lost it yet. I'm trying not to worry. One thing that helps me is knowing we are all basically going through the same thing. The other this is going to the Gallery/Weight loss planner and checking to see where I "should" be. For me if I want to loose 90% of my weight, I'm exactly on track. I imagine you are on track or above where you should be. At my last Dr's. appointment he told me in no uncertain terms to expect it to take me a year to loose the rest of my weight. 65 pounds. Now I no you have less to loose so It shouldn't take you as long, but the expected weight loss at this point really is supposed to slow down. Try to hang in there. You are a beautiful woman and when you get to the right weight you can have plastic surgery. It will all be ok in the end. Also, try and remember that very few women are perfect. Sorry if I'm too preachy. I'm sure if this plateau keeps up It will be me upset very soon. Dianne 340/215/150

Janice, This is great. That's kinda of how I feel about my saggy skin...I used to fit into this skin...and now I don't...Yeah! Take care, Rachel

I have not touched a body of water in this skin! I would float away! I'm still laughing, thank you Janice!! My thighs and upper arms applaud! -Beth

Thanks everyone!! It really helps to read your posts... -Beth

Hi Beth, First ((((((((((((((big hugs))))))))))))))! I wish I had some great advice, but honestly you are right where I am right now and you've done a lot better than me! Not that I'm complaining. Shoot, I'd be happy even if I didn't loose another pound. I'm no longer trapped by my food demons (unless I'm pmsing), or held down by my comorbids and weight. I like wearing a 12 and never thought I would again. And as far as my sag...granted its not that bad...but I figure I used to fit into this skin and now I don't... ...but this isn't about me...is it. As far as exercise goes, its tough with 4 wee ones around. When i was training for my marathon, I'd run at 9pm after i tucked everyone into bed. Now I'm a member at the YMCA, and they have childcare for 2 bucks an hour. Its a good break for me too! Other than that, I don't really have anything to say other than I think you are doing tremendously great and I'm sorry that you are frustrated, but I doubt that you (or I) are done losing. We're just slowing down a bit. Look at it as time to let our skin catch up! Hugs, Rachel

Rachel- Marathon?!? Wow! And...TY... I tried the Y *again* (about a month ago), but my youngest will not, adamantly, flat out, refuses to stay in the child care. :angry: My middle child loves it there, and the oldest is too old to go in it! So, that's a no go right now. I am thinking my best bet might be to invest in a treadmill for my house. Since I like to walk, and would be more comfy doing it privately, that's a good option. I think right after Christmas I might be able to swing it. Other than that, it's gotta be getting up at the butt crack of dawn and doing a TV exercise show in the basement playroom (where I can be active and not wake everyone up...) or a VERY early walk, since I'm on duty at 6:30am.... -Beth